Pelosi summarily dimissed Romney’s chances of defeating President Barack Obama. “I don’t think there’s any way on the face of the earth that Mitt Romney wins the presidential,” Pelosi said. “[Obama] is gonna win big.”

The California Democrat was equally critical of Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee. Ryan is author of a GOP budget plan that would transform Medicare into a program that subsidizes private insurance plans.

Democrats describe it as a “voucher program” and claim it would destroy Medicare if implemented. Republicans counter that Democrats cut $716 billion from Medicare to fund their 2010 health-care plan, also known as “Obamacare.”

Pelosi called Ryan “the architect of the destruction of Medicare,” and asserted his nomination as the Republican VP candidate has boosted Democratic chances of retaking the House.

“What we think is at stake is Medicare, Medicare, Medicare, because it will not exist if they win,” Pelosi added. “Infinitely more important to me than the results of the election … is whether Medicare survives. And it will not survive if they were to win.”

Pelosi, though, refused to say whether she would stay on as Democratic leader if her party doesn’t win back the majority.

“It’s really up to my caucus who will lead the party next and my family as well, if they care to after all this time,” Pelosi said.

The California Democrat — trying to become the first lawmaker in nearly 60 years to return to the Speaker’s chair after being swept out of power — said there is a “60 percent” chance that Democrats can pick up the 25 seats they need.